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By encrypting data from end-to-end, it not only protects BlackBerry enterprise customers, but also those at the other end, on desktops and third-party platform-enabled smartphones.

In prepared remarks, BlackBerry vice president for mobile computing Frank Cotter said: "To be competitive in today's fast-paced marketplace, you need to enable your workers with tools that let them collaborate in real time."

This time last year, BlackBerry — then Research in Motion — said it had over 55 million users worldwide. Considering it's steep decline in market share since then, that figure has likely dipped significantly. That said, by branching out to rival platforms it could be the first step to revival for the PIN-based messaging system.